2/27/26
Bighorn River Fishing Report
Bighorn River Fishing Report: Feb. 27th 2026
“The Wranglers’ Bi-Weekly Rundown”
Picture Of The Week: This Big Boy Took the Midge Emerger
1. River Vital Signs
Conditions are “boney” but stable, offering some of the best winter technical fishing in the state.
Current Flow: 598 CFS
Water Clarity: Excellent. Clear visibility down to 6+ feet.
Average Water Temp: 38°F
Weather Outlook: Unseasonably Warm Wyoming Winter—highs up into the 60s but averaging in 50s for the next two weeks. The water is cold the weather is unseasonably warm and the fish are on the move!
2. The "Wrangler" State of the Union
The Bighorn is moving into an early spring pattern. Lots of midges hatching and the fish are moving out of the deeper pools into the riffles as it warms up during the day. Fishing has been spectacular, lots of good size catches and plenty of 12-16” super healthy rainbows that fight like they were on steroids!
3. Hot Fly Patterns
The winter menu is small but specific. Don't be afraid to go tiny.
Nymphs: Rainbow Tailwater Sow Bug. Midge emergers are drawing attention. General attractors like a Rainbow Warrior and Blood red midge worms.
Streamers: Light weight wooly buggers or sparkle minnows.
Dries: The midge hatches are producing steady risers in key areas. A Griffith's Gnat with your favorite midge emerger as a dropper will give you the best chance to target these picky eaters!
4. Tactics & Pro-Tips
Switch it up! The fish are on the move, target slow and deep when its cooler and target the riffles and buckets right below as it warms up.
Streamers: Run a longer leader like 36” and trail a smaller streamer off the bend 8-10” behind the lead. A dead drift with a Wolly Bugger under an indicator will pick you up a few fish.
Manage the Moss: Keep them flies clean.
Set the hook! The bite is so soft in most cases if the indicator does anything unnatural set that hook.
5. Guide’s Water Choice:
Water to Target: Fish low and slow early in the day and target the seams on the slower water. Once it warms up a little work the riffles and buckets.
6. Special Offers:
New to fly fishing or need to work on your double haul?
Book a trip and get a free 1hr casting lesson before we hit the water!
Bighorn River Fishing Report 1-30-26
Bighorn River Fishing Report: Jan 30 – Feb 7th, 2026
“The Wranglers’ Bi-Weekly Rundown”
Picture Of The Week:
We are landing some big beautiful colored up rainbows! Check our special at the bottom of the report to claim your 20% discount and book your adventure!
1. River Vital Signs
Conditions are “boney” but stable, offering some of the best winter technical fishing in the state.
Current Flow: 610-680 CFS (USGS gauge is down today but we have steady tailwater flows from Boysen Reservoir)
Water Clarity: Excellent. Clear visibility down to 6+ feet.
Average Water Temp: 38°F
Weather Outlook: Unseasonably Warm Wyoming Winter—highs will get well into the upper-40s for the next two weeks. The water is cold the weather is unseasonably warm and the fish are on the move!
2. The "Wrangler" State of the Union
The Bighorn is in a warm winter rhythm. With the post-spawn phase over, the Rainbows and Browns are on the move with the warmer weather for the next two weeks the fishing will be tremendous! The primary name of the game right now is efficiency and depth. With the warmer weather we are finding large fish holding in buckets just off the riffles or even in the riffles.
3. Hot Fly Patterns
The winter menu is small but specific. Don't be afraid to go tiny.
Nymphs: Rainbow Tailwater Sow Bug with a pink tungsten bead. Keep it small. Midges and midge emergers are drawing a little attention. General attractors like a Rainbow Warrior and Blood red midge worms.
Streamers: Olive Baby Gonga. Olive, brown and black have all been producing.
Dries: Occasional midge hatches are creating a few risers but nothing we have tied a dry fly on for! If you game bring your smallest dry midge!
4. Tactics & Pro-Tips
The Get it deep in the runs and pools! If you aren't ticking the bottom, you aren't low enough. The grass is about gone so it is easier to dredge the bottom. With the warmer weather don’t be afraid to fish the riffles and smaller pockets.
Streamers: Pro Tip. Run a longer leader like 36” and trail a smaller streamer off the bend 8-10” behind the lead. Do a dead drift with small slow strips.
Manage the Moss: While winter moss is minimal compared to July, some grass still exists. Keep them flies clean! If you dont know the “San Juan” slap learn it!
Pod Fishing: Winter fish school is in session. If you catch one, stay put—there are likely fifty more in that same 10-foot stretch of water.
5. Guide’s Water Choice:
Water to Target: In the morning nymph the edges of the slow deep runs. Take your time and be thorough take it apart real slow and make sure your are deep enough. Don’t be afraid to work the flat water! In the afternoon after it warms up target the buckets off the shelves and riffles some big browns and rainbows move into feeding lanes. Find one and you will have a good ride!
6. Special Offers
February Special 20% discount! Claim your discount and come and wrangle some nice trout!
20% off 550.00 for a full day with two anglers brings the total to only $440.00 or $220.00 per angler!
The fishing will be great the next couple weeks! Don’t miss this brief window to enjoy a beautiful action packed day wrangling big rainbows and browns on the Bighorn here in Thermopolis!
BOOK TODAY and use the discount code SPRING20 at check out to claim your 20% off discount!
Bighorn River Fishing Report
Weekly Fishing Report for the Bighorn River in Thermopolis Wyoming
Bighorn River Fishing Report: Jan 13 – Jan 20, 2026
“The Wranglers’ Weekly Rundown”
Catch Of The Week:
Nice N Nasty Brown on a Streamer!
1. River Vital Signs
Conditions are “boney” but stable, offering some of the best winter technical fishing in the state.
Current Flow: 615 CFS (Steady tailwater flows from Boysen Reservoir)
Water Clarity: Excellent. Clear visibility down to 6+ feet.
Average Water Temp: 38°F
Weather Outlook: Unseasonably Warm Wyoming Winter—highs in the mid-40s. Winds can be an issue so check daily.
2. The "Wrangler" State of the Union
The Bighorn is in a warm winter rhythm. With the post-spawn phase over, the Rainbows and Browns have mostly settled into their deep, slow "winter buckets." The primary name of the game right now is efficiency and depth. With the warmer weather we are finding large fish holding in buckets just off the riffles or even in the riffles.
3. Hot Fly Patterns
The winter menu is small but specific. Don't be afraid to go tiny.
Nymphs: Rainbow Tailwater Sow Bug with a pink tungsten bead. Keep it small. Midges and midge emergers are drawing a little attention. General attractors like a Higga’s SOS. Blood red midge worms.
Streamers: Olive Baby Gonga. Olive, brown and black have all been producing.
Dries: Occasional midge hatches are creating a few risers but nothing we have tied a dry fly on for! If you game bring your smallest dry midge!
4. Tactics & Pro-Tips
The "Slow & Low" Rule: If you aren't ticking the bottom, you aren't low enough. The grass is about gone so it is easier to dredge the bottom.
Streamers: Pro Tip. Run a longer leader like 36” and trail a smaller streamer off the bend 8-10” behind the lead. Do a dead drift with small slow strips.
Manage the Moss: While winter moss is minimal compared to July, some grass still exists. Keep them flies clean! If you dont know the “San Juan” slap learn it!
Pod Fishing: Winter fish school is in session. If you catch one, stay put—there are likely fifty more in that same 10-foot stretch of water.
5. Guide’s Water Choice:
Water to Target: In the morning nymph the edges of the slow deep runs. Take your time and be thorough take it apart real slow and make sure your are deep enough. In the afternoon after it warms up target the buckets off the shelves and riffles some big browns and rainbows move into feeding lanes. Find one and your have a good ride!
6. Special Offers
Winter Special: 6 hr. 1/2 Day "Winter Warm-up" Guided Trips are available through February. Only $350 for two anglers—includes hot lunch and all the midges you can lose! Limited offer call to schedule. 307-855-5259